Chimpanzees back in their habitat after escape from Kansas City Zoo

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Zoo officials say the chimpanzees are back in their habitat after escaping on Thursday afternoon.

Zoo Spokesperson Julie Neermeyer says the chimps were in the zoo, in a behind-the-scenes area. It's still unclear at this time how many chimps are on the loose. They are working to determine how they may have escaped.

Zoo visitors have been taken indoors for protection. The zoo has closed for the evening.

According to the USDA, the last inspection was in December 2012. At that time there were 14 chimps at the zoo.

The Kansas City Police Department tweeted out their support to the Kansas City Zoo.